David Rager, NASA’s Creative Director, shares his journey from band flyer designer to the helm of the space agency’s iconic visual brand. His role involves reviving the beloved 'worm' logo and educating NASA teams on the value of consistency in their communications.

With a heritage steeped in trust and optimism, Rager faces the challenge of maintaining public confidence in the age of AI and misinformation. His prohibitions on AI imagery highlight the importance of authenticity in NASA’s storytelling.

‘We have the kind of stuff AI wishes it could make,’ Rager remarks, emphasizing the unique quality of NASA’s visuals. His experience underscores the ongoing role of human creativity in a tech-driven world.

Rager’s background illustrates the diverse paths that can lead to such a role, from a band in LA to the halls of JPL, and eventually to the helm of NASA’s brand. His mission is to remind both internal and external stakeholders of the profound value of NASA’s message.

The brand’s values of optimism and humanity are at the core, with Rager working to ensure that NASA remains a beacon of trust and achievement. As AI continues to evolve, the authenticity of NASA’s brand stands as a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.